History of the Alps
Part 1: The Alps, from human origins to the Roman era.
Alps : The upper world
Introduction: The upper world
A mountainous arc spanning 8 countries and more than 1,200km, the Alps are renowned for the wildness and beauty of their landscapes – but also for the resilience of their people, who have stood the test of time by demonstrating great adaptability to hostile conditions and historical change.
But what is the real human history of the Alps? How quickly and how deliberately have human populations settled and developed in this very special area?
Sedentarisation, adaptations to climatic conditions, cultural exchanges, etc. – this article explores the history of the Alps, to help us understand the social changes in this complex region.
Discovering “the world above”¹.
1: The word ‘Alps’ etymologically refers to two concepts: whiteness and height. According to some interpretations, it could mean ‘the world above’ or ‘the world of light’ – lending this territory a spiritual, almost mystical dimension.
From a Celtic root (albos), Alpes is thought to mean ‘the luminous world, the world above’. Derived from a Latin root (Albus, from the Greek αλφον) or Indo-European (albho) – Alpes would mean ‘white’.
Opposite: Map of the glaciers of the Alps – 1848 – William Blackwood – Watercolour.
First Alpine Populations.
Palaeolithic, Mesolithic: Exploring the Alps
Around 20,000 years ago, as a result of interglacial climate warming, the Alpine valleys, which until then had been covered in ice, gradually opened up.¹.
Nomadic populations hunting in the surrounding steppe plains then made incursions into the Alpine valleys².
Favoured by a change in plant cover and fauna, human settlement was easier and we witnessed a gradual conquest of Alpine territories (12,000 BC – 5,000 BC). Seasonal sites (encampments, hunting halts, observation points) emerged, and the impact of these nomadic hunter-gatherer communities on the Alpine environment was relatively discreet.
It was not until the Neolithic period that the first farming societies really settled in the Alps.
Opposite: Peasant communities crossing an Alpine pass (Col Collon, alt. 3070m). This reconstruction of a Neolithic migration (5000 BC) across an Alpine pass gives an idea of the relationship between societies and migration, domestication and trade.
1: Evidence of human presence in the Alps during periods of warming: interglacial period Riss–Würm (around 100,000 BC); Middle Palaeolithic (around 40,000 BC). But these were only temporary settlements, particularly for hunters, who seemed to confine themselves to high altitude camps in caves. From the Upper Palaeolithic/Mesolithic (16,000-12,000 BC) onwards, nomadic hunter/gatherer communities began to establish themselves on a seasonal/semi-permanent basis. It was not until the Neolithic period (around 5000 BC) that the first ‘peasant’ societies became sedentary.
Development of farming societies
Neolithic, Metal Age: Settlement and trade
In the early Neolithic period (around 5500 BC), the first farming communities settled at low and medium altitudes in the Alpine valleys. They created suitable sites in strategic locations (river alluvial fans, hilltops, terraces), adapted to economic activities (sheepfolds, extraction of raw materials) and symbolic practices (necropolises, rock painting and engraving, etc.).
These village communities grow cereals (grain, small spelt, barley) and domesticate animals (goats, sheep) – alongside predatory activities (hunting, fishing, gathering).
The Bronze Age brought a new change to the history of the Alps. As metallurgy gradually developed, so did the production of bronze tools, weapons and jewellery. Trade intensified during this period, transforming Alpine societies towards greater complexity and social stratification.
During the Iron Age, the Celts arrived in the Alps, introducing iron for more efficient tools and weapons. They established strategic fortified centres (political and economic) on the heights, and developed a network of trade routes. These intercultural exchanges enriched Alpine societies and forged a distinct cultural identity in the region.
Goatskin patchwork tunic. Bearskin cap with drawstring. Shoes with leather sole and upper tongue. Inner sock made of twisted grass netting. Adjustable cape made from alpine grass stems.
‘Des Alpes au Léman, Images de la préhistoire’, Infolios éditions,
2008 (2nd edition)
Roman era
Romanisation of the Alps : Conquest Acculturation
In ancient times, the Roman Empire identified the Alps as a strategic zone – a key passageway for its expansion – and decided to conquer the area.
The change in lifestyle that followed this conquest then took place gradually, supported by the establishment of administrations and infrastructures (network of roads – enabling goods and information to be transported).
This ‘Romanisation’ of the Alps involved the arrival of new construction methods (masonry), decorations (baths, mosaics), consumer products and everyday objects (fine ceramics, Mediterranean dishes, etc.); but also Latin, Roman games and shows, etc.
Although Latin culture is spreading, it is not entirely replacing the existing culture. Local populations continue to preserve ‘traditional’ foods, practices and rituals, especially in rural areas.
Two cultures were gradually juxtaposed and blended. The settlements are a concrete example of this diversity: economic, political, cultural and religious centres – places where traditional culture was reinforced and at the same time showcased a new Roman way of life.
1: The Roman conquest of the Alps took place in 2 campaigns, relatively far apart: (125-121 BC 25 BC).
After that, the installation process is gradual.
Opposite: Peasant communities crossing an Alpine pass (Col Collon, alt. 3070m). This reconstruction of a Neolithic migration (5000 BC) across an Alpine pass gives an idea of the relationship between societies and migration, domestication and trade.
Sources
.
La préhistoire des Alpes : enjeux scientifiques, méthodes et perspectives de la recherche : https://www.persee.fr/doc/globe_0398-3412_2009_num_1
.
Les Alpes Domestiquées – Revue l’Alpes – numéro 100 : Alpins, 7000 ans d’histoires.
.
Des Alpes au Léman.
Images de la préhistoire.
Gallay, A. dir. 2008.
Infolio, Gollion
.
Histoire du Peuplement Alpin : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histoire_du_peuplement_alpin
.
Les Alpes : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpes
.
Homo Alpinus : https://www.homoalpinus.com/
The Alps, a land of adaptations
The history of the Alps, seen through the prism of its people, is an example of resilience, adaptation and innovation.
From prehistoric times to the present day, human populations have been able to adapt to an austere environment and to major historical changes – in order to build mixed, evolving, sustainable societies.
This human story offers a valuable lesson in the adaptability of our societies. At a time of societal change, this human story seems to offer relevant answers: encouraging exchange, sharing and adaptation – in the quest for harmony and longevity.